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On Tuesday, the Marion County YMCA announced DeLuca would donate $1 million toward a major renovation and addition to the association's current building, which will be renamed the Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center.

"The Y is more than just a gym. I used to go to the Y all the time when I was a boy. It taught me sportsmanship and honesty and how to interact with other kids my age. My father worked a lot and didn't have a lot of time to spend with me so the Y was kind of a substitute," DeLuca said.

Ben Marciano, executive director of the local YMCA, said the organization is part of the foundation of the community and takes its role seriously.

"Our main focus is health and youth and we think our new facility will be able to address some of our community health concerns and really get kids involved in healthy community activities," Marciano said.

The building project will add about 14,000 square feet to the existing 36,000 square-foot building located at 3200 SE 17th St. The additions will include more workout floor space, a cafe and a reorganization of the facilities.

The total cost for the project is estimated at $4.5 million. WIth DeLuca's contribution, more than $3 million has been raised so far. Another 85 donors have given donations of between $1,000 and $500,000 to the project.

The organization also announced the kickoff to a community fundraising drive to raise the rest of the money needed for the project. Marciano hopes construction will start by the end of the year.

In addition to more room, the renovations also include a new layout with workout areas sectioned off into beginner, intermediate and advanced areas. The sectioning, it's hoped, will help lessen the intimidation factor beginners feel when first attending gyms.

"Some people think you have to be a Greek god to come to a gym and we want to break down that thought," Marciano said.

The interior look also will change from the gymnasium-style exposed block walls to a more sleek look. Locker rooms will expand and will include several family changing areas for those with children.

A new racquetball court, along with a social gathering area between courts, is slated to join the two courts currently available.

The current YMCA opened in 1996 and has grown to include approximately 13,000 members. With the new additions, the organization hopes to grow to 30,000 members.

"I've seen all the things the Y does for children and families. They don't ever turn away any child who doesn't have the ability to pay for summer camps. I think this is where a child can get not just exercise, but where they learn the foundation for life," DeLuca said.

<p>When Frank DeLuca was a boy, he often went to his local YMCA in Orlando. The organization, he said, helped instill in him some of the traits which made him a successful car dealer.</p><p>On Tuesday, the Marion County YMCA announced DeLuca would donate $1 million toward a major renovation and addition to the association's current building, which will be renamed the Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center.</p><p>"The Y is more than just a gym. I used to go to the Y all the time when I was a boy. It taught me sportsmanship and honesty and how to interact with other kids my age. My father worked a lot and didn't have a lot of time to spend with me so the Y was kind of a substitute," DeLuca said.</p><p>Ben Marciano, executive director of the local YMCA, said the organization is part of the foundation of the community and takes its role seriously.</p><p>"Our main focus is health and youth and we think our new facility will be able to address some of our community health concerns and really get kids involved in healthy community activities," Marciano said.</p><p>The building project will add about 14,000 square feet to the existing 36,000 square-foot building located at 3200 SE 17th St. The additions will include more workout floor space, a cafe and a reorganization of the facilities.</p><p>The total cost for the project is estimated at $4.5 million. WIth DeLuca's contribution, more than $3 million has been raised so far. Another 85 donors have given donations of between $1,000 and $500,000 to the project.</p><p>The organization also announced the kickoff to a community fundraising drive to raise the rest of the money needed for the project. Marciano hopes construction will start by the end of the year.</p><p>In addition to more room, the renovations also include a new layout with workout areas sectioned off into beginner, intermediate and advanced areas. The sectioning, it's hoped, will help lessen the intimidation factor beginners feel when first attending gyms.</p><p>"Some people think you have to be a Greek god to come to a gym and we want to break down that thought," Marciano said.</p><p>The interior look also will change from the gymnasium-style exposed block walls to a more sleek look. Locker rooms will expand and will include several family changing areas for those with children.</p><p>A new racquetball court, along with a social gathering area between courts, is slated to join the two courts currently available.</p><p>The current YMCA opened in 1996 and has grown to include approximately 13,000 members. With the new additions, the organization hopes to grow to 30,000 members.</p><p>"I've seen all the things the Y does for children and families. They don't ever turn away any child who doesn't have the ability to pay for summer camps. I think this is where a child can get not just exercise, but where they learn the foundation for life," DeLuca said.</p>